Judge declines to dismiss underage drinking lawsuit

Nightclub, city of West Point named in lawsuit

A federal judge won't dismiss a lawsuit that argues the city of West Point and a local nightclub are liable for injuries to an underage driver, who authorities say was driving while intoxicated after drinking at the club.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported that U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock said Thursday the case will go to trial June 17 in Aberdeen.

Natalie Stafford, her son Richard's conservator, sued the city and the owner of The Pony nightclub in 2011. Stafford said her son was injured in 2010 after partying with friends at the club and a condo. She alleges police allowed her son to drive intoxicated.

The city said it has immunity. The Pony argues it is not liable even if her son was improperly served alcohol there.